Motorcycle Design: Moto Guzzi

Discover How To Ride Like An Italian

“Without a doubt, the biggest challenge was not to loose the Guzzi Spirit, and at the same time bring into the modern era the California myth; it was a hard balance,” explains Galluzzi, who was the lead designer on the new California. “The California is Moto Guzzi's heritage, not only because it's the longest in production model line for Guzzi, but it represents the best way to enjoy the ride alla Italiana.”

The previous generation was built on a sport bike frame that was too cramped for larger riders, a major hindrance in the Land Of the Super Big Gulp. Ergonomics had to be adjusted with the frame, and its geometry and suspension now offer better handling and more agility than your average cruiser. Again, thank Guzzi’s signature transversely aligned V-twin for this centerpiece feature of the design; the way it’s placed within the frame upright, not as angled as in other cruisers, makes the California easier to turn and gives it more responsive handling. “This unique layout allows us to increase the sensation of power by getting the cylinder heads to explode through the gas tank,” says Galluzzi excitedly. “Straight lines combined with soft surfaces and volumes. Pure Italian passion!”

Cylinder heads exploding? Hard straight lines penetrating voluminous soft surfaces? Pure Italian passion? Perhaps the art of crafting hand-built motorcycles alla Italiana has more to do with the artedell'amore than it first appears.